The BBFC introduced the film certification system in 1912 to rate films for safety and protect audiences. Over time, the ratings were expanded and modified to classify films by age groups. Key changes included adding ratings for children 16 and over in 1932, raising the X rating to 18 in 1970, introducing PG in 1982, and adding the 12 rating in 1989 to provide a category between PG and 15. The ratings system continues to evolve to this day.

2. Suitable for all
ages
Cinema release
Suitable for 12
And over
Suitable for 15
And over
Adult works for licensed
Premises only
Suitable for all
Ages
Parental guidence
Video release
suitable for 12 years
and over
Suitable for 18 and
over

3. The BBFC introduced the film certification in 1912 for safety reasons.
Before this film classifications were decided by the local councils.
1912-1932: The universal rating and adult rating was made. Universal
means suitable for all ages, targeting families which leads to an increase in
sales. The adult classification means that it is only suitable for children if
they are with an adult.
1932-1951: The horror certificate was made for children over 16 years old,
protecting younger children.
1951-1970: The horror certificate was replaced by the X-rating. This meant
that only people over 16 could watch the film and this was reinforced by all
councils.
1970-1982 in 1970 the A-certificate was split into two. The one half (A)
allowed children of 5 and over to be admitted into cinemas but held a
warning to parents that children under 14 that it may not be suitable. The
other half (AA) only allowed people over the age of 14 to be admitted. Also
at this time the X certificate was raised from 16 to 18 due to people
commenting it was not a suitable age to be viewing these films.

4. 1982-1985- A lot of replacements were made in these years. The
certificate was replaced by PG which stands for parental guidance.
The AA rating was raised a year and the name was changed to 15.
The X rated certificate was renamed 18 to make the audience
clearer. The rating R18 was made which meant only licensed
cinemas could be allowed to show these films
1985-1989- The video recording act 1984 was then made to give the
BBFC legal responsibilities to rate all video footage to protect the
public and make clear guidelines. A rating called Uc was introduced
which allowed children under 5 to watch a film without an adult.
1989-1994- Due to there being such a large age difference between
PG and 15, the 12 rating was introduced allowing people aged 12
and over to watch films only in the cinema.
1994-2002- The 12 rating was then introduced for videos also
2002-2009- The certificate 12A was then modified so only children
12 or over could attend films along with an adult
2009-present- The rating Uc was dropped

5. BBFC make the film certificates on how
they believe the audience will react to it.
This isolates the audience by only letting
certain ages watching the film. This helps
protect society but the certificates can also
limit profits and sales as the restriction on
the age can stop people being able to buy
films.

6. The certificates in other countries differ from the uk. In
Hong Kong, the film ratings are decided by the Office for
Film, Newspaper and article administration. Before they
had certification, films were made under strict guidelines.
The rating system is in levels ranging from 1-3.
1= All ages
2A= Not suitable for children
2B= Not suitable for young children
3= 18 and above only
Level 2 films are advisory only, and have no legal effect
as it is down to parents choice.